Quinton GEAR UP students tour OSU–IT

5/11/2016

WILBURTON, OK (May 11, 2016) – Sophomore and junior GEAR UP students at Quinton High School recently traveled to Okmulgee to tour the campus of Oklahoma State University–Institute of Technology.

Students were greeted by OSU–IT Special Events Coordinator Sable Vasquez. Vasquez informed the students of the various degree programs offered at the institute. Students were divided into two groups to begin their educational journey. Vasquez and Recruiter Aaron Heller conducted the tours.

The School of Culinary Arts was the first destination. OSU–IT Student Service Officer Denise Wise led the group through the center and explained the many classes that must be taken to become a chef. Students learned about the international cuisines being prepared by the students. Wise said the students not only learn about cultural dishes, but also business enterprise management and what it takes to manage and place food orders in a large restaurant. Students were offered a sample of a lemon glazed salmon pistou. Quinton students wanted to know what “pistou” means.

Wise was delighted by their curiosity and explained that it is a garlic and basil sauce. Students were excited to find two Quinton graduates who are students at OSU–IT. The Quinton alumni stressed the importance of taking the ACT. They encouraged the students to study for the test. They also stressed the importance of completing scholarship applications. One of the students suggested they begin filling out the applications in January of their senior year because as of March 1, OSU–IT will have already awarded scholarships.

Students were then taken to the new Chesapeake Energy Center. The Center is a state–of–art 23,920 square foot natural gas compression training facility. School of Energy Technologies Division Chair Roy Achemire met the students. Achemire explained the physics of water and gas compression. Students were reminded of the importance of taking math and science classes as well as learning everything they can in high school, as these rigorous programs are looking for students that can maintain good grades and a high work ethic.

The tour concluded in the campus cafeteria where the students enjoyed lunch. Students loved the buffet with its many dishes from which they could choose.
“Many of the students said the tour was an eye opening experience,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Lori Douglas. “Several were interested in pursuing a career in an area that was mentioned.”

The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature.